Since its founding in 1968, the Siskiyou Humane Society Adoption Center in Mt. Shasta has provided rescue and refuge for hundreds of homeless cats and dogs every year. The shelter’s staff and volunteers take special pride in getting to know the animals as individuals. Because they are familiar with the personalities of the shelter cats and dogs, they can help potential adopters find the best matches for their families and lifestyles. From kittens and puppies to previously trained adults, all pets adopted from SHS are spayed and neutered, given permanent micro-chip identification, and adult dogs are assessed for behavior using a nationally known behavior evaluation.

Siskiyou Humane Society is a “no-kill” facility, animals aren’t euthanized because they’ve been in the shelter for too long, or to make room for more animals, but are cared for until they find new homes. Preventing pet over-population is a big part of the Society’s mission statement. The shelter provides information and referrals for low-income Spay/Neuter assistance programs in Siskiyou County. SHS also offers humane education presentations for schools, youth groups and service organizations with topics like dog-bite prevention and kindness to animals. To help owned pets stay in their homes, the shelter’s Behavior Team provides free consulting for common behavior problems, so that pet owners and pet can live together in peace.

As a private, 501(c)(3)non-profit animal welfare organization, the shelter receives no funding from government agencies or national humane organizations. Most of the funding comes from private donations and the sales at the Society’s two thrift stores.